Position Details

CAT Team 2 Mentor FT and PT 1808, 1809,1889/KG

POSITION TITLE: CAT Team 2 Mentor

EFFECTIVE DATE: 2024

PROGRAM: Community Action Treatment (CAT) Team 2

REPORTS TO: CAT Team 2 Program Manager

FACILITY: Williamsburg

CITY: Lakeland

JOB STATUS: Part Time

FLSA: Non Exempt

Job Summary:

A CAT Mentor provides mentoring and support for children and adolescents receiving mental health services through the Community Action Treatment (CAT) Team. They assist families in navigating the mental health services system and in achieving resiliency and recovery as defined by the child and family. Mentors provide support services that are designed for the restoration, modification, and maintenance of social, personal adjustment, and basic living skills. These services are designed to assure that the recipient possesses the physical, emotional, and intellectual skills to live, learn, and work in their own environment. Respite services are provided when deemed necessary by the CAT Team. This position will be based in Polk County. Depending upon caseload and client needs, mentor may be assigned clients residing throughout the Tri-County service area of Polk, Highlands, and Hardee Counties.

General Expectations:

In the performance of their respective task and duties, all employees are expected to conform to the following:

  • Fully understand and consistently exhibit all of Peace River Center's Core Values, while fostering the same with all direct reports in applicable
  • Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision
  • Interact professionally with other employees, clients, and vendors
  • Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments
  • Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with other employees and organizations

Essential Duties/Requirements/Activities:

  • Comply with all Center policies and procedures except those for which the employee gives notice of the need for reasonable accommodation and for which the Center can make such reasonable accommodation
  • Assist non-consumer staff in identifying program environments that are conducive to recovery; lend unique insight into mental illness and what makes recovery possible
  • Attend all scheduled work hours, meeting, training, and other Center functions as scheduled
  • Complete all daily progress notes in Credible, and assessments in a timely manner as mandated in the PRC policies and procedures
  • Participate in the completion of a comprehensive assessment of all CAT Team participants admitted to the program
  • Document client progress to maintain a permanent record of each client's activity according to established methods and procedures
  • Participate in daily staff organizational meetings and treatment planning review meetings
  • Provide transportation to participants for scheduled medical, dental, or other appointments as needed and determined to be in the best therapeutic interest of the participant as assigned
  • Assist and support CAT Team participants to carry out personal hygiene and grooming tasks
  • Help CAT Team participants to access reliable transportation (e.g., arrange for cabs, access bus line, apply for Handibus, etc.)
  • Provide practical help and supports, advocacy, coordination, side-by-side individualized support, problem solving, direct assistance, training, and supervision to help CAT participants obtain the necessities of daily living including medical and dental health care, legal and advocacy services, transportation, social-skill development, and assertiveness training to increase their social and interpersonal activities in community settings
  • Assist consumers in articulating personal goals for recovery and resiliency
  • Assist CAT Team participants in creating a Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP)
  • Utilize and teach problem-solving techniques with individuals and groups
  • Teach CAT Team participants how to identify and combat negative self-talk and overcome fears
  • Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies
  • Inform CAT Team participants about community and natural supports and how to utilize these in the recovery and resiliency process
  • Assist CAT Team participants in developing empowerment skills through self-advocacy and stigma-busting

Qualifications:

Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED.

Experience:

  • Minimum of one year of experience working with children or adolescents with behavioral health needs (may include internship and volunteer services)
  • Must have knowledge and experience in using local community resources as referrals
  • Experience in basic child development
  • Experience in family relations.
  • Basic mental health knowledge.

Certifications:

  • Current Certified Behavioral Technician Certification from the State of Florida preferred, but not required

Training:

  • Complete all PRC required trainings

Knowledge and Skills:

  • Strong commitment to the right and ability of each person with a severe and persistent mental illness to live in normal community residences, work in market jobs, and have access to helpful, adequate, competent, and continuous supports and services
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
  • Skills and competence to establish supportive trusting relationships with persons with severe and persistent mental illnesses and respect for persons' rights and personal preferences in treatment
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Safety Equipment:

  • Universal Precautions
  • Comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) rules and regulations
  • Life Safety Equipment (fire extinguisher)

Transportation:

  • Must have a valid Florida driver's license and clean driving record
  • Must carry and maintain $50,000/$100,000 bodily injury coverage on personal vehicle and provide proof of coverage

Machines, Tool and Equipment Used:

  • Computer
  • Telephone
  • Fax
  • Copier
  • EHR

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to lift 30 pounds, climb stairs, ambulate safely throughout the community

Supervisory Relationship(s):

None

Work Environment:

The work environment is fast-paced and consists of exposure to physical conditions typical of a normal office environment. The populations cared for will include patients who are confused, delusional, irrational, agitated, or uncooperative. Most of the job is performed while sitting, although the work may require occasional standing or walking and/or the lifting and carrying of small objects. A small amount of travel may be required for meetings etc. to another PRC location.

EEO Statement

One of the greatest assets of the PRC is the ethnic, cultural, and social diversity of its employees. PRC takes great pride in the diversity and values and respect of all its employees, regardless of race, color, sex, marital status religion, national origin, ancestry, genetic information, age, disability, gender identification, or sexual orientation.